Yemaya - Definition and Overview

In Yorùbá mythology, Yemaja is a mother goddess; patron deity of women, especially pregnant women; and the Ogun river (the waters of which are said to cure infertility). Her parents are Odudua and Obatala. She had one son, Orungan, who raped her successfully one time and attempted a second time; she exploded instead, and fifteen Orishas came forth from her. They include Ogun, Olukum, Shakpana and Shango.

Yemaja is also venerated in Vodun. Among the Umbandists, Yemaja is a goddess of the ocean and patron deity of the survivors of shipwrecks. In Santería, Yemaja is the equivalent of Our Lady of Regla.

Other names

• Imanja
• Jemanja
• Yemana
• Yemanja
• Yemaya
• Yemayah
• Yemoja
• Ymoja